JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

Soil conditioning for enhancing plant growth using biochar and hydrochar under microgravity

  • 0Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Npj Microgravity +

|

July 2, 2025

|

July 2, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Soil amendments like biochar and hydrochar can improve plant growth in space. Biochar, in particular, helped Malabar Spinach overcome microgravity

Area Of Science

  • Space agriculture
  • Plant physiology
  • Bioregenerative life support systems

Background

  • Space exploration necessitates sustainable food production for astronauts.
  • Bioregenerative life support systems rely on plant cultivation.
  • Understanding plant responses to microgravity is critical for long-duration missions.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate the efficacy of biochar and hydrochar as soil conditioners for Malabar Spinach grown in simulated microgravity.
  • To determine the impact of these soil amendments on plant growth, biomass, and nutrient content under different gravity conditions.

Main Methods

  • Malabar Spinach was grown for 18 days under 1g and simulated microgravity (Random Positioning Machine).
  • Soil was conditioned with 3% peanut shell biochar or wood hydrochar by mass.
  • Plant biomass, leaf and root growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and leaf nutrient levels (K, P) were analyzed.

Main Results

  • Microgravity significantly reduced Malabar Spinach fresh biomass by up to 71%, primarily due to inhibited leaf and root growth.
  • Biochar was more effective than hydrochar in mitigating microgravity-induced growth inhibition.
  • In microgravity, biochar application enhanced chlorophyll a and carotenoid biosynthesis by up to 36%.
  • Both biochar and hydrochar treatments increased leaf potassium and phosphorus content under microgravity.

Conclusions

  • Biochar and hydrochar show promise as soil conditioners for enhancing plant growth and development in microgravity.
  • Biochar demonstrates superior efficacy in counteracting microgravity's negative effects on Malabar Spinach.
  • These amendments can improve nutritional value and support sustainable agriculture in space environments.